Automated static control

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure related to automated static control. A set of static sensor data may be obtained from two or more static sensors. The set of static sensor data may be analyzed to determine whether a static condition exists. In response to a determination that a static condition exists, a set of mobile static unit data may be collected from one or more mobile static units. The set of mobile static unit data may be analyzed to select a mobile static unit of the one or more mobile static units. An action may be transmitted to the selected mobile static unit, and the selected mobile static unit may be deployed to mitigate the static condition.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electronics,and more particularly to static control solutions.

Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges on a material.Static build-up occurs as materials become polarized by gaining orlosing electrons (e.g., through the triboelectric effect). The imbalanceof electric charges may remain on a material until electrostaticdischarge (ESD) occurs. ESD neutralizes opposite charged surfaces,typically through electron flow (e.g., electrical arcs). Lightning is anextreme example of ESD. For example, the electric potential between acloud and the ground can be millions of volts, which may cause anelectrical arc from the clouds to the ground.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, computer programproduct, and system for automated static control. The method may includeobtaining a set of static sensor data from two or more static sensors.The set of static sensor data may then be analyzed to determine whethera static condition exists. In response to determining that a staticcondition exists, a set of mobile static unit data can be obtained. Theset of mobile static unit data may be analyzed in order to select amobile static unit of the one or more mobile static units. The methodmay further include issuing an action to the selected mobile staticunit, and deploying the selected mobile static unit to mitigate thestatic condition.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present disclosure are incorporated into,and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of thepresent disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative oftypical embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing environmentin which illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure may beimplemented.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example static controlenvironment, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example static control method,in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cloud computing environment, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating abstraction model layers, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an example computersystem that may be used in implementing one or more of the methods,tools, and modules, and any related functions, described herein, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

While the embodiments described herein are amenable to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shownby way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that the particular embodiments describedare not to be taken in a limiting sense. On the contrary, the intentionis to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the field ofelectronics, and more particularly to static control solutions. Whilethe present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications,various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciated through adiscussion of various examples using this context.

Static electricity can cause complications in static-sensitiveenvironments. For example, electronic components may be easily damagedby electrostatic discharge (ESD), as the energy released through ESD mayoverheat or even burn integrated circuits. Static may also beproblematic in environments with flammable and ignitable materials. Theenergy released through ESD may be sufficient to ignite flammablemixtures (e.g., fuel, oil, toluene, etc.). Further, static electricitymay cause complications in biosafety laboratories (e.g., cleanrooms), asthe imbalance of electrons can attract particulates onto materialsurfaces. The particulates which latch onto the polarized materials(e.g., gowns, gloves, glasses, shoes) can enter a clean room, which mayexceed airborne particulate cleanliness standards (e.g., InternationalStandards Organization (ISO) Cleanroom Standards).

There are numerous strategies to prevent and/or eliminate staticbuild-up. Ionizers are commonly used to eliminate static by neutralizingpositively or negatively charged surfaces. Examples of ionizers includecorona discharge ionizers and nuclear ionizers. Corona dischargeionizers generate positive and/or negative ions in the air, which maybind to charged surfaces, neutralizing the surfaces (e.g., the positiveions bind to negatively charged surfaces and the negative ions bind topositively charged surfaces). Nuclear ionizers utilize polonium 210 togenerate positive and negative ions to neutralize static electricity.Specifically, nuclear ionizers emit alpha partials which interact withstable atoms and molecules near the surface of a material. The stableatoms and molecules are excited by the alpha particles, and sharevalence electrons, neutralizing charged objects and surfaces.

Humidifiers can also be used to reduce static. Static build-up and ESDoccur frequently in air with a low relatively humidity. By increasingrelative humidity with a humidifier, the air can be brought to ahumidity level such that the air acts as a natural conductor, allowingcharges to release into the air.

Though there are several solutions to eliminate static and controlstatic build-up, static still impacts productivity and productreliability in the workspace. This is because static elimination units(e.g., humidifiers and ionizers) only treat a limited volume.Accordingly, a significant number of units may be required for largescale manufacturing processes and/or locations. Further, each unit mayrequire close monitoring to ensure the neutralization process isdelivered appropriately. Therefore, additional static units result in ahigher operation cost.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a smart static controlsolution. The static control solution may include obtaining staticsensor data from a plurality of sensors disposed in an environment(e.g., a working environment, such as a microprocessor manufacturingfacility). The static sensor data may then be analyzed to determinewhether a static condition exists, which may include comparing thestatic sensor data to a set of static thresholds. If a static conditionis determined to exist, one or more static actions may be issued.

The aforementioned design overcomes complications noted in pre-existingsolutions. Specifically, by continually monitoring static data andissuing static control actions, a single static eliminator unit (or afew) could have the capability to effectively mitigate staticelectricity associated with an entire facility. Automated static controlmay not only improve compliance with safety standards, but may reducemaintenance costs associated with manual static elimination. This maynot only improve productivity in the workplace, but may improve productreliability in various industries. For example, automated static controlcan reduce the likelihood of contamination in biosafety environments.Further, automated static control can reduce the likelihood of staticinduced component failure in electronic environments.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an examplecomputing environment 100 in which illustrative embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be implemented. In some embodiments, thecomputing environment 100 may include two sensors 102 and 112, twostatic units 106 and 116, and a computer system 122.

Consistent with various embodiments, the computer system 122 may includea processor 126 and memory 128. Similarly, static units 106 and 116and/or sensors 102 and 112 may include processors or memory. The sensors102 and 112, static units 106 and 116, and the computer system 122 maybe configured to communicate with each other through an internal orexternal network interface 104, 114, 108, 118 and 124. The networkinterfaces 104, 114, 108, 118 and 124 may be, in some embodiments,modems or network interface cards. The sensors 102 and 112, static units106 and 116, and/or the computer system 122 may be equipped with adisplay or monitor. Additionally, sensors 102 and 112, static units 106and 116, and/or the computer system 122 may include optional inputdevices (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or other input device),and/or any commercially available or custom software (e.g., browsersoftware, communications software, server software, natural languageprocessing software, search engine and/or web crawling software, filtermodules for filtering content based upon predefined parameters, etc.).In some embodiments, the computer system 122 may be a server, desktop,laptop, or hand-held device.

The sensors 102 and 112, static units 106 and 116, and the computersystem 122 may be distant from each other and communicate over a network150. In some embodiments, the computer system 122 may be a central hubfrom which sensors 102 and 112 and static units 106 and 116 canestablish a communication connection. Alternatively, the sensors 102 and112, static units 106 and 116, and computer system 122 may be configuredin any other suitable networking relationship (e.g., in a peer-to-peer(P2P) configuration or using any other network topology).

In some embodiments, the network 150 can be implemented using any numberof any suitable communications media. For example, the network 150 maybe a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an internet,or an intranet. In certain embodiments, the sensors 102 and 112, staticunits 106 and 116, and the computer system 122 may be local to eachother, and communicate via any appropriate local communication medium.For example, the sensors 102 and 112, static units 106 and 116, and thecomputer system 122 may communicate using a local area network (LAN),one or more hardwire connections, a wireless link or router, or anintranet. In some embodiments, the sensors 102 and 112, static units 106and 116, and the computer system 122 may be communicatively coupledusing a combination of one or more networks and/or one or more localconnections. For example, the first sensor 102 may be hardwired to thecomputer system 122 (e.g., connected with an Ethernet cable) while thesecond sensor 112 may communicate with the computer system 122 using thenetwork 150 (e.g., over the Internet).

In some embodiments, the network 150 may be implemented within a cloudcomputing environment, or using one or more cloud computing services.Consistent with various embodiments, a cloud computing environment mayinclude a network-based, distributed data processing system thatprovides one or more cloud computing services. Further, a cloudcomputing environment may include many computers (e.g., hundreds orthousands of computers or more) disposed within one or more data centersand configured to share resources over the network 150.

The sensors 102 and 112 may be configured to collect static sensor data.The sensors 102 and 112 may monitor objects, surfaces, or air volumes tocollect static sensor data over time. The static sensor data may then beanalyzed (e.g., by computer system 122) to determine whether staticcondition exists (e.g., a condition in which static build-up is at anundesired level). In some embodiments, the sensors 102 and 112 may storestatic sensor data on memory, and thereafter may transfer the staticsensor data to the computer system 122. In some embodiments, the sensors102 and 112 may continually transmit static sensor data to the computersystem 122. Static sensor data may be transmitted to the computer system122 using any suitable technique, including push and pull techniques.

Any number of sensors 102 and 112 may be implemented. In someembodiments, the number of sensors may be based on volume requirementsand/or the number of objects to be monitored. For example, a room withdouble the surface area may require double the number of sensors 102 and112. In some embodiments, the number of sensors 102 and 112 may dependon the objects being monitored (e.g., a server may require multiplesensors, whereas a laptop computer may only require one sensor). In someembodiments, the number of sensors 102 and 112 may depend on safetystandards (e.g. ISO cleanroom standards or ESDA published standards).

Sensors 102 and 112 may include any type of sensor configured toindicate electrostatic potential. For example, in some embodiments,sensors 102 and 112 may include static sensors designed for measuringvoltages associated with electrostatic charge. These static sensors mayinclude surface potential sensors for measuring the voltage on thesurface of objects and/or human body static sensors for measuring staticassociated with humans. In some embodiments, sensors 102 and 112 mayinclude humidity sensors, designed for measuring the relative humidity(RH) in the air. In some embodiments, sensors 102 and 112 may include anantenna to detect radio frequency (RF) noise associated with an ESDdischarge taking place. In some embodiments, sensors 102 and 112 mayinclude resistance to ground measurement to detect an out of rangesituation against the required resistance control points. In someembodiments, sensors 102 and 112 may include temperature sensors. Insome embodiments, varying types of sensors may be integrated into asingle sensor (e.g., a combined electrostatic/humidity sensor).

Sensors 102 and 112 may be disposed in any suitable location. In someembodiments, sensors 102 and 112 may be mobile, and may relocate asrequired. For example, in some embodiments, sensors 102 and 112 maytrack a user, and sense areas proximate to the user. In someembodiments, sensors 102 and 112 may be embedded in one or more objects.For example, sensors 102 and 112 may be embedded on a server. In someembodiments, sensors 102 and 112 may be evenly distributed based onsensing range requirements. For example, sensors 102 and 112 may bespaced equidistant from each other. In some embodiments, sensors 102 and112 may be stationary. In these embodiments, the sensors 102 and 112 maybe fixed in a specific location.

The number and placement of the sensors 102 and 112 may depend on thetype of sensor. For example, in some embodiments, static sensors mayhave a smaller measurement range (e.g., within centimeters) than themeasurement range of humidity sensors (e.g., within meters) for a givenobject. As such, in some embodiments, a greater number of static sensorsmay be implemented than humidity sensors. Further, in some embodiments,static sensors may be disposed more proximate to objects than humiditysensors.

Static sensor data may be collected in any suitable manner. In someembodiments, multiple sensors may be used to monitor the same object,and the multiple measurements may be combined (e.g., averaged) orconsidered separately. Further, static sensor data may includehistorical data, which may be combined into a single value (e.g., rate,acceleration, rolling average, etc.) Sampling rate (the rate at whichmeasurements are obtained) for sensor measurements may vary. Forexample, the sampling rate for static sensor data may depend on the typeof sensor, the rate of change of the static sensor data (e.g.,historical static sensor data), and/or bandwidth considerations, to namea few.

After the set of static sensor data is received from sensors 102 and112, the set of static sensor data may be analyzed by the computersystem 122. The computer system 122 may, in some embodiments, analyzethe set of static sensor data via a static analysis application 130. Thestatic analysis application 130 may compare the set of static sensordata to a set of thresholds (e.g., static voltage thresholds, humiditythresholds, etc.). If the static analysis application 130 determinesthat the set of static sensor data does not satisfy (e.g., exceeds) theset of static thresholds, the static analysis application 130 maydetermine that a static condition exists. In response to determiningthat a static condition exists, the computer system 122 may issue one ormore static actions (e.g., to be executed by static units 106 and 116).

In some embodiments, the static analysis application 130 may compilesensor data received from all objects and/or locations and generate aheat map of the static sensor data. The heat map may be a gridindicating intensity of measured values via color, texture, or othervisual indicators. In some embodiments, the heat map may be used todetermine whether a static condition exists. For example, if an objector location on the heat map is red (e.g., or any other color indicatinga high static buildup), a static condition may be determined to exist insaid object or location. In some embodiments, the heat map may then beoutput through a display device or graphical user interface.

A static condition may be determined in any suitable manner. Forexample, in some embodiments, the current value(s) of the static sensordata may be compared to a set of static thresholds, and a staticcondition may be determined to exist if the static sensor data does notsatisfy the set of static thresholds. In some embodiments, the rate ofchange of the static sensor data may exceed a threshold, and a staticcondition may be determined to exist.

If the static analysis application 130 determines that a staticcondition exists, the computer system 122 may issue one or more staticactions. The static actions may be issued to static units 106 and 116.The static action(s) issued may depend on the static sensor dataanalysis (e.g., comparison to static thresholds). For example, if asensor embedded on a server indicates a static voltage value thatexceeds a static threshold (e.g., 200V), then the computer system 122may issue a static action to static unit(s) 106 and/or 116 to mitigate(e.g., neutralize) the static build-up associated with the server.

The static units 106 and 116 may execute one or more static actions asreceived by the computer system 122. The static units 106 and 116 mayinclude static eliminators 109 and 119 to mitigate static build-upassociated with surfaces and/or objects. In some embodiments, the staticunits 106 and 116 may be mobile static delivery systems. Mobility mayallow static units 106 and 116 to respond to static actions as issued bythe computer system 122, without requiring manual intervention. In someembodiments, static units 106 and 116 may be implemented in unmanned airvehicles (UAVs). The selected UAV may be multi-rotor (e.g.,quad-copters), fixed-wing (e.g., planes), single-rotor (e.g.,helicopters), or fixed-wing hybrid UAVs. In some embodiments, staticunits 106 and 116 may be land or water mobile units. In someembodiments, static units 106 and 116 may be mounted on a rail deliverysystem. However, it is noted that any other suitable mobile deliverysystem otherwise consistent herein is contemplated.

Static units 106 and 116 may include any type of static eliminator 109and 119, respectively. The static eliminators 109 and 119 may beimplemented to mitigate (e.g., treat or neutralize) static chargeassociated with objects or surfaces. Static eliminators 109 and 119 mayinclude corona discharge ionizers, nuclear, and/or humidifiers, to namea few.

In some embodiments, static eliminators 109 and 119 may be coronadischarge ionizers. Corona discharge ionizers operate by applying a highvoltage to an electrode in close proximity to a grounded shield orcasing. The voltage applied between the electrode and grounded shield orcasing ionizes the air molecules in between the electrode and shield.Corona discharge ionizers may operate with alternating current (AC) ordirect current (DC). AC corona discharge ionizers can generate positiveions during the first half-cycle of the waveform and negative ionsduring the second half-cycle of the waveform, or vice versa. This mayprovide thorough neutralization, as the positive ions may bind tonegatively charged surfaces, and the negative ions may bind topositively charged surfaces. Alternatively, DC corona ionizers may beused. DC corona discharge ionizers can produce a single polarityionization from each electrode integrated into the ionizer. Accordingly,DC ionizers may, in some embodiments, include positive and negativeelectrodes such that positive and negative ions are produced.Thereafter, the ionized air may be dissipated in any manner. Forexample, corona discharge ionizers can include blowers or overhead fansfor dissipating ionized air to large volumes. Further, corona dischargeionizers can include ionizing air guns for targeted staticneutralization. Likewise, mobile delivery systems including, forexample, UAV rotors or fans, may be used as a part of the ionized airdelivery system.

In some embodiments, static eliminators 109 and 119 can include nuclearionization. Nuclear ionization neutralize static electricity through theuse of polonium 210. Specifically, polonium 210 emits alpha particleswhich include positively charged helium nuclei (two protons, twoneutrons, and no electrons). When the alpha particle collides withmolecules in the air, they displace electrons from some air moleculescreating positive air ions. These free electrons are eventually capturedby other air molecules creating negative ions.

In some embodiments, static eliminators 109 and 119 can includehumidifiers. Humidification can be an effective way to eliminate staticbuild-up. By increasing relative humidity with a humidifier, the air canbe brought to a humidity level such that the air acts as a naturalconductor, allowing charges to release into the air.

Any number of static units 106 and 116 may be implemented. In someembodiments the number of static units 106 and 116 may depend on thevolume to be treated and/or the number of objects to be treated. In someembodiments, the number of static units 106 and 116 may be commensuratewith the number of sensors 102 and 112. In some embodiments, there maybe a single static unit, which may be sufficient to treat an entirevolume (e.g., an ionizing blower mounted on a quad-copter). In someembodiments, a single static unit may have multiple static eliminators.For example, static unit 106 may include a static eliminator 109 with ahumidifier and a corona discharge ionizer.

Static units 106 and 116 may be placed in any suitable location. In someembodiments, static units 106 and 116 may be centrally located in afacility, to minimize the time required to deploy each static unit to atreatment area. In some embodiments, static units 106 and 116 may eachcorrespond to a given location (e.g., a room, a warehouse, etc.). Insome embodiments, static units 106 and 116 may correspond to sensors orsets of sensors. For example, in some embodiments, static unit 106 maycorrespond to sensor 102, and static unit 116 may correspond to sensor112.

In some embodiments, static units 106 and 116 may include memory. Thestatic units 106 and 116 may store actions issued by the computer system122 in the memory. In some embodiments, the static units 106 and 116 maybuild a queue of actions to be issued. In these embodiments, the staticunits 106 and 116 may complete current static actions, then move ontothe next static actions in the queue until all static actions areexecuted.

In some embodiments, static actions may be prioritized. In theseembodiments, static units 106 and 116 or computer system 122 may beconfigured to prioritize between multiple simultaneous pending staticactions to be executed. For example, static units 106 and 116 orcomputer system 122 may be configured to prioritize static actions basedon proximity. In some embodiments, static actions may be prioritizedbased on importance. For example, if there is only a single static unit,and multiple static conditions, the most important static conditions maybe treated first. In this example, if a server containing critical databreaches a static threshold, and a user-laptop also breaches a staticthreshold, the single static unit may first treat the server containingcritical data. Likewise, static actions may be prioritized based onseverity. For example, if two servers breach a static threshold, but oneserver has a static potential of 1000V, and the other server has astatic potential of 500V, the server with a static potential of 1000Vmay be treated first. In some embodiments, static units 106 and 116 mayexecute static actions based on user activity. For example, static units106 and 116 may track a user while working, and treat static conditionssurrounding the user.

In some embodiments, actions may be issued based on measurementsreceived by sensors 102 and 112. For example, if sensors 102 and 112indicate a low relative humidity in a location, then static units 106and 116 may execute static actions to increase the humidity of the lowhumidity location (e.g., via humidifiers included in static eliminators109 and 119). Likewise, if sensors 102 and 112 indicate a high staticpotential on an object, static units 106 and 116 may execute a staticaction to decrease the static potential on the object (e.g., viaionizers or humidifiers). In some embodiments, multi-static actions maybe issued. For example, if sensors 102 and 112 indicate a low relativehumidity and a high electric potential on an object, then static units106 and 116 may simultaneously ionize and humidify the target object. Insome embodiments, static unit 106 may include a humidifier, and staticunit 116 may include an ionizer, or vice versa. Similarly, static units106 and 116 may each include both a humidifier and ionizer.

It is noted that FIG. 1 is intended to depict the representative majorcomponents of an exemplary computing environment 100. In someembodiments, however, individual components may have greater or lessercomplexity than as represented in FIG. 1, components other than or inaddition to those shown in FIG. 1 may be present, and the number, type,and configuration of such components may vary. For example, in someembodiments, sensors 102 and 112 and static units 106 and 116 may eachinclude memory and processors. Further, in some embodiments, more thantwo sensors and/or more than two static units may be implemented.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example static controlenvironment, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.Static control environment 200 may model an example industrialenvironment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the industrial environment may includemultiple rooms. For example, static control environment 200 may includea computer room 206, a clean room 208, and a gown room 212. Each roomincluded in the static control environment 200 may be individuallycontrolled (e.g., based on static standards and static thresholds).

Sensors 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, and 220-4 (herein collectively referred toas sensors 220) may be disposed throughout the static controlenvironment 200. Further, sensors 220 may include any additional numberof sensors 200-N, which may be disposed within static controlenvironment 200 or in any other location (e.g., remotely located). Thesensors may be configured to communicate with computer system 202through a network (e.g., network 150 in FIG. 1). The sensors 220 maytransmit static sensor data 204 to the computer system 202, and thecomputer system 202 may store the static sensor data 204 in memory. Thecomputer system 202 may be configured to analyze the static sensor data204. In some embodiments, the computer system 202 may compare the staticsensor data 204 to one or more static thresholds to determine whether astatic condition exists. In response to determining that a staticcondition exists, the computer system 202 may be configured to issue oneor more static actions to static units 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and/or 210-4(herein collectively referred to as static units 210).

Sensors 220 may include a variety of different sensor types. In examplestatic control environment 200, sensors 220-1 and 220-3 may beelectrostatic sensors, sensor 200-2 may be a hybridelectrostatic/humidity sensor, and sensor 200-4 may be a humiditysensor. However, addition sensor types may also be included (e.g.,temperature sensors). Further, any additional number of sensors may beincluded.

Sensors 220 may be placed in any suitable location. For example, sensor220-1 may be embedded on server 218, and may continually monitorelectrostatic potential associated with server 218. Sensor 220-2 may becentrally located in the computer room 206, to monitor the RH andelectrostatic potential within the computer room 206. Sensor 220-3 maybe disposed adjacent to personal protective equipment (PPE) 222, tomonitor electrostatic potential associated with the PPE 222. Sensor200-4 may be disposed between stacked incubators 216 and biosafetycabinet 214, to monitor the relative humidity of air within clean room208.

Computer system 202 may be configured to analyze static sensor data 204received by the sensors 220. Alternatively, sensors 220 and/or staticunits 210 (e.g., static unit 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4, 210-N) may beconfigured to analyze static sensor data (e.g., by including one or moreprocessors). Analysis may include comparing the static sensor data 204to one or more thresholds. Static thresholds may depend on specificobjects and/or locations being monitored.

For example, computer room 206 may be controlled in accordance with ESDstandards as defined by the Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA)and Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC). These standardsmay include static thresholds for components and microcircuits accordingto their susceptibility to damage or degradation by exposure to adefined human body model (HBM) ESD. HBM ESD standards include Class 0A(<125 V), Class 0B (125V-250V), Class 1A (250V-500V), Class 1B(500V-1000V), Class 1C (1000V-2000V), Class 2 (2000V-4000V), Class 3A(4000V-8000V) and Class 3B (>8000V) components. In some embodiments,entire systems may be given a single ESD classification (e.g., server218 may have a single classification). In some embodiments, individualcomponents may be respectively classified (e.g., processor 228 and RAM230 may have their own respective classifications).

As depicted in FIG. 2, server 218 may be classified as a Class 0Acomponent under HMB ESD standards with a static threshold upper limit of125V. Accordingly, if the computer system 202 receives a value fromsensor 220-1 greater than or equal to 125V, a static condition may bedetermined to exist. In this example, the computer may receive a staticpotential reading of 200V from sensor 200-1. Accordingly, computersystem 202 may issue a static action in response to determining thestatic condition exists. The static action may be received by staticunit 210-1, which includes a corona discharge ionizer. The static unit210-1 may then mitigate the static associated with the server 218, suchthat the electric potential falls below 125V (e.g., as indicated by thezig-zag line emitted from static unit 210-1). Sensor 220-1 maycontinually monitor the electrostatic potential associated with server218 thereafter, to ensure the electrostatic potential remains below 125V(e.g., through a control feedback loop).

Computer system 226 may include individual components with differentsensitivities to electrostatic potential. For example, processor 228 ofcomputer system 226 may be classified as a Class 1A component with astatic threshold upper limit of 500V and RAM 230 of computer system 226may be classified as a Class 1B component with a static threshold upperlimit of 1000V. Accordingly, if the computer system 202 receives anelectrostatic potential over 500V for processor 228, or over 1000V forRAM 230, a static condition may be determined to exist. In this example,the computer may receive a static potential reading of 750V from sensor220-2 corresponding to computer system 226. Accordingly, the computersystem 202 may issue a static action to the processor 228, for exceedingthe static threshold upper limit of 500V. The static action may bereceived by static unit 210-2, which may include a photoionizer staticeliminator. Static unit 210-2 may then emit soft X-rays to mitigate thecharge associated with processor 228 (e.g., as indicated by the zig-zagline emitted from static unit 210-2), such that the static potentialdrops below 500V.

Additionally, computer room 206 may include a humidity threshold, toreduce static build-up. In this example, computer room 206 may have ahumidity threshold lower limit of 45% RH. Accordingly, if computersystem 202 receives a relative humidity percentage below 45%, a staticunit with a humidifier may be deployed to increase the relativehumidity. However, in this example, the humidity may be at 50% RH asreported by sensor 220-2. Accordingly, the computer system 202 may notidentify that a static condition exists associated with the humiditydata.

The cleanroom 208 and gown room 212 may be controlled based on ISOcleanroom standards. ISO cleanroom classifications are rated accordingto how many particulates of specific sizes are permitted per cubicmeter. For example, ISO class 4 may allow 83 particulates with a 1micron diameter per cubic meter. Conversely, ISO class 6 may allow 8,320particulates with a 1 micron diameter per cubic meter. Static standardsmay be closely tied to clean room standards, as charged objects orsurfaces tend to attract particulates. Accordingly, ISO class 4cleanroom 208 may require stringent static control compared to ISO class6 gown room 212. However, because components from gown room 212 mayenter ISO class 4 cleanroom 208, components within gown room 212 may becontrolled as if they were ISO class 4.

Gown room 212 may be monitored to reduce static build-up such thatparticulates are prevented from adhering onto objects before enteringcleanroom 208. Specifically, PPE 222 in gown room 212 may be monitoredby sensor 220-3, to ensure electrostatic levels remain low enough toprevent particulates from binding to PPE 222 such as gowns, glasses,goggles, gloves, shoe covers, etc. Computer system 202 may set a staticthreshold of 50V for PPE 222. Accordingly, if computer system 202receives a static potential value higher than 50V from static sensor220-3 associated with PPE 222, the computer system 202 may indicate thata static condition exists. In this example, static sensor 220-3 reportsa static potential value of 80V. Computer system 202 may then indicatethat a static condition exists, as the measured static potential valuereceived by sensor 220-3 exceeds the static threshold of 50V.Accordingly, computer system 202 may issue a static action to staticunits 210. Static unit 210-3 may be selected to execute the staticaction (e.g., based on proximity to the static condition), and may beconfigured to mitigate the static charge. Specifically, static unit210-3 may include a corona discharge ionizer with a blower fan tomitigate static associated with the PPE 222. The PPE 222 may then bemitigated by static unit 210-3 such that the static potential dropsbelow the static threshold, preventing particulates from binding to PPE222 prior to entering cleanroom 208.

Sensor 220-4 may monitor the RH of the cleanroom 208. Computer system202 may set a lower limit of 60% RH, to prevent static build-up in cleanroom 208. In some embodiments, humidity percentage may be set higher ifcorrosion is not an issue in the environment. For example, a higher RHmay be permitted in cleanroom 208 if there are not electronics prone tocorrosion damage (e.g., from air moisture). If computer system 202receives an RH below 60% from sensor 220-4, then the computer system 202may indicate that a static condition exists. In this example, computersystem 202 receives an RH of 53% from sensor 220-4. Accordingly,computer system 202 may indicate that a static condition exists, and mayissue a static action. Static unit 210-4 may be selected (e.g., based onproximity and the type of static unit) to execute the static action.Static unit 210-4, may then humidify cleanroom 208 until the RH is above60% (e.g., as indicated by the sensor 220-4).

It should be noted, that though static units 210 may correspond torespective sensors 220 in example static control environment 200, insome embodiments, static units 210 may correspond to a set of sensors220, or sensors 220 may correspond to a set of static units 210. Forexample, in some embodiments, there may only be a single static unit210-1, which may execute static actions corresponding to sensor dataobtained from each static sensor 220. In some embodiments, static units210 may be centrally located in a deployment room, and may treat staticconditions based on proximity, importance, and/or the static conditionreported (e.g., a humidifier static unit may be deployed to treat ahumidity static condition). Further, though example static controlenvironment 200 depicts four sensors and four static units, any numberof static sensors 220-N and/or static units 210-N may be implemented.

In some embodiments, issuing static control actions may be based on PIDcontrol. In other words, computer system 202 may not only consider themost recent static sensor data, but previously obtained static sensordata to determine an appropriate static control action. For example,static potential adjustments may be based on present error (e.g., aproportional component), past errors (e.g., an integral component), andthe current rate of change (e.g., a derivative component). Eachcomponent may also be weighted using weighting factors set by a user ordetermined automatically by the computer system 202 using historicalstatic sensor data 204. In some embodiments, the computer system 202 mayalter the weighting factors dynamically (e.g., during a testing period).For example, the processor may determine that the error (e.g., betweenthe sought static potential and the measured static potential) isincreasing, or that the error is not decreasing at a fast enough rate,and may adjust the weighting factors of one or more of the proportional,derivative, and/or integral components automatically. Any suitablecombination of proportional, integral, and derivative adjustments may beadministered. In some embodiments, the computer system 202 may onlyinclude proportional and integral action (e.g., PI control). In someembodiments, only one of proportional, integral, or derivative controlmay be issued.

It is noted that FIG. 2 is intended to depict the representative majorcomponents of an exemplary static control environment 200. In someembodiments, however, individual components may have greater or lessercomplexity than as represented in FIG. 2, components other than or inaddition to those shown in FIG. 2 may be present, and the number, type,and configuration of such components may vary. For example, in someembodiments, sensors 220 may each include a temperature sensor. In someembodiments, each static unit 210 may include a mobile delivery systemfor administering each static action. In some embodiments, there may bea greater or lesser number of sensors 220 and/or static units 210.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example static control method,in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Example method300 may be performed by a processor. In some embodiments, one or moreoperations of method 300 may be performed by a user, or by the processorin response to user input.

Static control method 300 may start at operation 302, where staticsensor data may be obtained. Static sensor data may be collected by oneor more sensors (e.g., sensors 102 and 112 from FIG. 1 or sensors 220from FIG. 2). The sensors may collect data associated with staticbuild-up, including static potential (e.g., voltage), relative humidity,and/or temperature. The sensors may compile static sensor data on memorylocated on each sensor, or may continually transmit static sensor dataover a network to one or more computer systems. The static sensor datamay be received by a computer system (e.g., computer system 122 of FIG.1 or computer system 202 of FIG. 2).

The computer system may receive static sensor data in any manner. Insome embodiments, static sensor data is received over a network (e.g.,network 150 from FIG. 1). Static sensor data can be received asrequested by the computer system (e.g., using push techniques).Alternatively, static sensor data can be transmitted to the computersystem as initiated by the one or more sensors (e.g., using pull/gettechniques). Static sensor data may then be stored in memory on thecomputer system.

After static sensor data is obtained at operation 302, the static sensordata may be analyzed at operation 304. In some embodiments, analysis mayinclude comparing the static sensor data to one or more thresholds(e.g., based on static thresholds or safety standards). In someembodiments, analyzing the static sensor data may include analyzing thehistory of the static sensor data, which may include rates, averages, orother statistical parameters. In some embodiments, analyzing staticsensor data may include generating a heat map of the static sensor datathrough a sensor grid (e.g., a plurality of sensors disposed throughoutan area). In some embodiments, a processor located in a computer system,a sensor, and/or a static unit (e.g., static unit 210 from FIG. 2) mayanalyze the static sensor data.

At operation 306, a processor (e.g., of a computer system, sensor, orstatic unit) may determine whether a static condition exists based onthe analysis performed in operation 304. In some embodiments,determining that a static condition exists may be based on one or morestatic thresholds. If the static sensor data does not satisfy the set ofstatic thresholds, a static condition may be determined to exist. Forexample, if a static threshold is set with an upper limit of 1000V, anda processor analyzing the static sensor data receives a static potentialvalue of 1,500V, a static condition may be determined to exist.Similarly, if a static potential acceleration threshold is set with anupper limit of +5V/s², and a processor analyzing the static sensor datareceives a static potential acceleration of +20V/s², a static conditionmay be determined to exist.

Conversely, if the static sensor data satisfies the set of staticthresholds, a static condition may be determined to not exist. Forexample, if a static threshold is set with an upper limit of 500V, and aprocessor analyzing the static sensor data receives a static potentialvalue of 400V, a static condition may be determined to not exist.

In some embodiments, a static condition may be determined to exist basedon a heat map. In these embodiments if a color, texture, or other visualindicator of the heat map exceeds a threshold, a static condition may bedetermined to exist. Any additional suitable data visualizationtechnique can be included to determine a static condition (e.g., orotherwise provide condition/prediction capability). For example,additional data visualization techniques include bar graphs, scatterplots, trend charts, pie charts, tables, etc.

If a static condition is determined to exist at operation 306, method300 may proceed to operation 308, where a static action may be issuedbased. If a static condition is determined to not exist at operation306, method 300 may end.

In some embodiments, in response to a determination that a staticcondition exists, a set of mobile static unit data may be obtained. Themobile static unit data may include various details relating to themobile static units, including their current location, power, type ofstatic eliminator, and type of delivery system. The mobile static unitdata may then be analyzed to determine the appropriate mobile staticunit for selection. For example, in some embodiments, mobile staticunits may be selected based on their proximity to the static condition.In some embodiments, mobile static units may be selected based on theircurrent power level (e.g., a static unit with sufficient power may beselected). In some embodiments, the type of static eliminator includedin the mobile static unit may be considered when making a mobile staticunit selection. In some embodiments, the type of mobile delivery systemmay dictate the type of mobile static unit selected (e.g., rail deliverystatic units vs. UAV static units). In some embodiments, multiplefactors may be considered when making a mobile static unit selection(e.g., the type of static eliminator, power, and location may all beconsidered when selecting the mobile static unit).

At operation 308 a static action may be issued. Static actions may beissued to neutralize and/or reduce (e.g., mitigate) static build-upassociated with objects or surfaces. Example static actions includeionization and humidification. In some embodiments, a computer systemmay issue static actions to static units including static eliminators(e.g., static eliminators 109 and 119 from FIG. 1). Static actions canbe issued to static units through a network, or through any othersuitable communication method.

In some embodiments, static units may include a mobile delivery system,to neutralize objects or locations associated with the static condition.This may allow the static units to autonomously mitigate staticconditions. Mobile delivery systems can include UAVs, land or watermobile systems, and rail delivery systems, to name a few. In response toreceiving a static action, the static units may be deployed to thetarget area associated with the static condition.

In some embodiments, the static action issued at operation 308 maydepend on the static sensor data. For example, if a humidity value ofthe static sensor data does not satisfy a humidity threshold, then astatic unit with a humidifier may be deployed to treat (e.g., humidify)the object/location associated with the static condition. Alternatively,if a static potential value of the static sensor data does not satisfy astatic potential threshold, then a static unit with an ionizer may bedeployed to treat (e.g., mitigate or neutralize) the object/locationassociated with the static condition. However, in some embodiments, anionizing unit may be deployed in response to a humidity value notsatisfying a humidity threshold. Similarly, in some embodiments, ahumidifying unit may be deployed in response to an electrostaticpotential value exceeding an electrostatic potential threshold.

Static units may, in some embodiments, standby the location associatedwith the static condition after the static action is executed. This maybe implemented to allow the sensors to report static sensor data to thecomputer system after the static action is executed. If the staticsensor data indicates that the static condition still exists, the staticunit may mitigate the static condition without requiring relocation.After the static actions are executed, method 300 may end.

The aforementioned operations may be completed in any order and are notlimited to those described. Additionally, some, all, or none of theaforementioned operations may be completed, while still remaining withinthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, in someembodiments, operations 304 and 306 may not be completed, and a staticaction may be issued based on the static sensor data regardless ofwhether a static condition exists. That is, in some embodiments, staticsensor data may be obtained at operation 302, and static actions may beissued at operation 308 without analyzing or otherwise processing thestatic sensor data 302.

It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of being implementedin conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure that includes anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrative cloud computing environment 410 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 410 includes one or morecloud computing nodes 400 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 400A, desktop computer 400B (e.g., computer system122, computer system 202, server 212, computer system 226) laptopcomputer 400C (e.g., computer system 122, computer system 202, server212, computer system 226), and/or automobile computer system 400N maycommunicate. Nodes 400 may communicate with one another. They may begrouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks,such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as describedhereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computingenvironment 410 to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software asservices for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resourceson a local computing device. It is understood that the types ofcomputing devices 400A-N shown in FIG. 4 are intended to be illustrativeonly and that computing nodes 400 and cloud computing environment 410can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type ofnetwork and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a webbrowser).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 410 (FIG. 4) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 5 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of thedisclosure are not limited thereto. As depicted below, the followinglayers and corresponding functions are provided.

Hardware and software layer 500 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 502;RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 504;servers 506; blade servers 508; storage devices 510; and networks andnetworking components 512. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 514 and database software516.

Virtualization layer 520 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers522; virtual storage 524; virtual networks 526, including virtualprivate networks; virtual applications and operating systems 528; andvirtual clients 530.

In one example, management layer 540 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 542 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. For example, resourceprovisioning 542 may obtain a suitable number of processing devices toprocess static sensor data. Metering and Pricing 544 provide costtracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may include applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 546 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 548provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service level management 548 mayallocate suitable processing power and memory to process static sensordata. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment 550 providepre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources forwhich a future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 560 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 562; software development and lifecycle management 564;virtual classroom education delivery 566; data analytics processing 568;transaction processing 570; and identifying an identifiable media 572.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a high-level block diagram of anexample computer system 601 (e.g., computer system 122, computer system202, server 212, computer system 226) that may be used in implementingone or more of the methods, tools, and modules, and any relatedfunctions, described herein (e.g., using one or more processor circuitsor computer processors of the computer), in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the major components ofthe computer system 601 may comprise one or more CPUs 602, a memorysubsystem 604, a terminal interface 612, a storage interface 616, an I/O(Input/Output) device interface 614, and a network interface 618, all ofwhich may be communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, forinter-component communication via a memory bus 603, an I/O bus 608, andan I/O bus interface unit 610.

The computer system 601 may contain one or more general-purposeprogrammable central processing units (CPUs) 602A, 602B, 602C, and 602D,herein generically referred to as the CPU 602. In some embodiments, thecomputer system 601 may contain multiple processors typical of arelatively large system; however, in other embodiments the computersystem 601 may alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU 602 mayexecute instructions stored in the memory subsystem 604 and may includeone or more levels of on-board cache.

System memory 604 may include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 622 or cachememory 624. Computer system 601 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 626 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magneticmedia, such as a “hard-drive.” Although not shown, a magnetic disk drivefor reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk(e.g., a “floppy disk”), or an optical disk drive for reading from orwriting to a removable, non-volatile optical disc such as a CD-ROM,DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In addition, memory 604can include flash memory, e.g., a flash memory stick drive or a flashdrive. Memory devices can be connected to memory bus 603 by one or moredata media interfaces. The memory 604 may include at least one programproduct having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that areconfigured to carry out the functions of various embodiments.

One or more programs/utilities 628, each having at least one set ofprogram modules 630 may be stored in memory 604. The programs/utilities628 may include a hypervisor (also referred to as a virtual machinemonitor), one or more operating systems, one or more applicationprograms, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operatingsystems, one or more application programs, other program modules, andprogram data or some combination thereof, may include an implementationof a networking environment. Programs 628 and/or program modules 630generally perform the functions or methodologies of various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the program modules 630 of the computer system 601may include a static sensor data analysis module. The static sensoranalysis module may include computer instructions to obtain staticsensor data and process the static sensor data thereafter. This mayinclude setting one or more static thresholds, and comparing the staticsensor data to the one or more static thresholds to determine whether astatic condition exists. Static sensor data analysis module may also beconfigured to issue static actions based on static conditions. In someembodiments, static sensor data analysis module may be configured toallocate static actions to specific static treatment units (e.g., basedon priority or importance).

Although the memory bus 603 is shown in FIG. 6 as a single bus structureproviding a direct communication path among the CPUs 602, the memorysubsystem 604, and the I/O bus interface 610, the memory bus 603 may, insome embodiments, include multiple different buses or communicationpaths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, such aspoint-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations,multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any otherappropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the I/O businterface 610 and the I/O bus 608 are shown as single respective units,the computer system 601 may, in some embodiments, contain multiple I/Obus interface units 610, multiple I/O buses 608, or both. Further, whilemultiple I/O interface units are shown, which separate the I/O bus 608from various communications paths running to the various I/O devices, inother embodiments some or all of the I/O devices may be connecteddirectly to one or more system I/O buses.

In some embodiments, the computer system 601 may be a multi-usermainframe computer system, a single-user system, or a server computer orsimilar device that has little or no direct user interface, but receivesrequests from other computer systems (clients). Further, in someembodiments, the computer system 601 may be implemented as a desktopcomputer, portable computer, laptop or notebook computer, tabletcomputer, pocket computer, telephone, smart phone, network switches orrouters, or any other appropriate type of electronic device.

It is noted that FIG. 6 is intended to depict the representative majorcomponents of an exemplary computer system 601. In some embodiments,however, individual components may have greater or lesser complexitythan as represented in FIG. 6, components other than or in addition tothose shown in FIG. 6 may be present, and the number, type, andconfiguration of such components may vary.

As discussed in more detail herein, it is contemplated that some or allof the operations of some of the embodiments of methods described hereinmay be performed in alternative orders or may not be performed at all;furthermore, multiple operations may occur at the same time or as aninternal part of a larger process.

The present disclosure may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent disclosure.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present disclosure may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The data regarding the static conditions can be stored in a data basewhich includes the various conditions (e.g., humidity, staticelectricity, temperature, etc.) and can be coupled with temporal andlocation data. Various operational information can also be stored, suchas the parts being built at specific locations, the number of workers,worker ID numbers, as well as the number of ESD damaged parts. The datacan be analyzed to improve the actions to be taken in the future. Theanalysis can also be coupled with an automated machine learning systemto determine the actions. For example, the analysis and control methodcan include machine learning methods such as supervised learning,clustering, structured prediction, anomaly detection, neural networks,reinforcement learning, Markov Decision Processes (MDP), etc.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the variousembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specifythe presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In the previous detaileddescription of example embodiments of the various embodiments, referencewas made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent likeelements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific example embodiments in which the variousembodiments may be practiced. These embodiments were described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theembodiments, but other embodiments may be used and logical, mechanical,electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from thescope of the various embodiments. In the previous description, numerousspecific details were set forth to provide a thorough understanding thevarious embodiments. But, the various embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits,structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not toobscure embodiments.

Different instances of the word “embodiment” as used within thisspecification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but theymay. Any data and data structures illustrated or described herein areexamples only, and in other embodiments, different amounts of data,types of data, fields, numbers and types of fields, field names, numbersand types of rows, records, entries, or organizations of data may beused. In addition, any data may be combined with logic, so that aseparate data structure may not be necessary. The previous detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosurehave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of specificembodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and modification thereofwill become apparent to the skilled in the art. Therefore, it isintended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all suchalterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scopeof the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for dynamically controlling staticelectricity, the system comprising: two or more static sensorsconfigured to obtain a set of static sensor data by sampling staticindicators associated with at least one target location; one or moremobile static units configured to mitigate static; and a processor andmemory communicatively coupled to the two or more static sensors and theone or more mobile static units, wherein the processor is configured toperform a method comprising: obtaining the set of static sensor datafrom the two or more static sensors; analyzing the set of static sensordata; determining, based on the analysis of the set of static sensordata, that a static condition exists; obtaining, in response todetermining that a static condition exists, a set of mobile static unitdata from the one or more mobile static units; analyzing the set ofmobile static unit data; selecting, based on the analysis of the mobilestatic unit data, a mobile static unit of the one or more mobile staticunits; transmitting an action to mitigate the static condition to theselected mobile static unit; and deploying the selected mobile staticunit to mitigate the static condition.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinanalyzing the set of static sensor data further comprises generating aheat map of the static sensor data.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe set of static sensor data includes a set of static electricitypotential data, wherein analyzing the set of static sensor data includescomparing the set of static electricity potential data to a set ofstatic electricity potential thresholds, wherein the static condition isdetermined to exist if the set of static electricity potential data doesnot satisfy the set of static electricity potential thresholds, whereinthe mobile static unit includes a corona discharge ionizer.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the set of static sensor data includes a setof humidity data, wherein analyzing the set of static sensor datafurther comprises comparing the set of humidity data to a set ofhumidity thresholds, wherein the static condition is determined to existif the set of humidity data does not satisfy the set of humiditythresholds, wherein the mobile static unit includes a humidifier.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one mobile static unit of the one ormore mobile static units is an unmanned air vehicle (UAV).
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein at least one of mobile static unit of the one ormore mobile static units is a rail delivery system.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein analyzing the set of mobile static unit data andselecting the mobile static unit further comprises: determining alocation of the static condition; determining a location of each of theone or more mobile static units; comparing the location of the staticcondition to the location of each of the one or more mobile staticunits; and selecting the mobile static unit nearest to the staticcondition.
 8. A computer implemented method for dynamically controllingstatic electricity comprising: obtaining a set of static sensor datafrom two or more static sensors, wherein the two or more static sensorsare configured to obtain the set of static sensor data by samplingstatic indicators associated with at least one target location;analyzing the set of static sensor data; determining that a staticcondition exists based on the analysis; obtaining, in response todetermining that a static condition exists, a set of mobile static unitdata from one or more mobile static units; analyzing the set of mobilestatic unit data; selecting, based on the analysis of the mobile staticunit data, a mobile static unit of the one or more mobile static units;transmitting an action to the selected mobile static unit; and deployingthe selected mobile static unit to mitigate the static condition.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein analyzing the set of static sensor datafurther comprises generating a heat map of the static sensor data. 10.The method of claim 8, wherein the set of static sensor data includes aset of static electricity potential data, wherein analyzing the set ofstatic sensor data includes comparing the set of static electricitypotential data to a set of static electricity potential thresholds,wherein the static condition is determined to exist if the set of staticelectricity potential data does not satisfy the set of staticelectricity potential thresholds, wherein the mobile static unitincludes a nuclear ionizer.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the setof static sensor data includes a set of humidity data, wherein analyzingthe set of static sensor data further comprises comparing the set ofhumidity data to a set of humidity thresholds, wherein the staticcondition is determined to exist if the set of humidity data does notsatisfy the set of humidity thresholds, wherein the mobile static unitincludes a humidifier.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein at least onemobile static unit of the one or more mobile static units is amulti-rotor unmanned air vehicle (UAV).
 13. The method of claim 8,wherein at least one mobile static unit of the one or more mobile staticunits is a rail delivery system.
 14. The method of claim 8, whereinanalyzing the set of mobile static unit data and selecting the mobilestatic unit further comprises: determining a power level of each of theone or more mobile static units; comparing the power level of each ofthe one or more mobile static units to each other; and selecting themobile static unit with the highest power level.
 15. The method of claim8, wherein transmitting the action is based on machine learning frompreviously obtained static sensor data and mobile static unit data. 16.A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage mediumhaving program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructionsexecutable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a methodcomprising: obtaining a set of static sensor data from two or morestatic sensors, wherein the two or more static sensors are configured toobtain the set of static sensor data by sampling static indicatorsassociated with at least one target location; analyzing the set ofstatic sensor data; determining that a static condition exists based onthe analysis; obtaining, in response to determining that a staticcondition exists, a set of mobile static unit data from one or moremobile static units; analyzing the set of mobile static unit data;selecting, based on the analysis of the mobile static unit data, amobile static unit of the one or more mobile static units; transmittingan action to the selected mobile static unit; and deploying the selectedmobile static unit to mitigate the static condition.
 17. The computerprogram product of claim 16, wherein the set of static sensor dataincludes a set of static electricity potential data, wherein analyzingthe set of static sensor data includes comparing the set of staticelectricity potential data to a set of static electricity potentialthresholds, wherein the static condition is determined to exist if theset of static electricity potential data does not satisfy the set ofstatic electricity potential thresholds, wherein the mobile static unitincludes a corona discharge ionizer with a blower fan.
 18. The computerprogram product of claim 16, wherein the set of static sensor dataincludes a set of humidity data, wherein analyzing the set of staticsensor data further comprises comparing the set of humidity data to aset of humidity thresholds, wherein the static condition is determinedto exist if the set of humidity data does not satisfy the set ofhumidity thresholds, wherein the mobile static unit includes ahumidifier with a blower fan.
 19. The computer program product of claim16, wherein the mobile static unit is a multi-rotor unmanned air vehicle(UAV) with a nuclear ionizer.
 20. The computer program product of claim16, wherein analyzing the set of mobile static unit data includesdetermining a type of static eliminator associated with each of the oneor more mobile static units.